What have people paid for their vehicles in Canada? In the states its not unheard of paying $250 above invoice or even invoice if you know someone at the dealership. Is that the same case here in Canada? I'm looking at a used one, but if a good deal (close to invoice pricing) comes along for a new one, I wouldn't mind ordering new. Any thoughts? Opinions? Suggestions? Anyone know someone at a BMW dealership that might be able to get me a good price?

I am also a resident of Buffalo, NY so another option is to buy there after grabbing a NYS driver's license, but I prefer not to go that route!

In canada M3's are not as common as in the states so obviously your negotiating power goes down. If they have one in stock and you're willing to settle for what they have, well you can prob get a good deal. I'm a bit skeptic about people paying 200 over invoice though, unless they are best buddies with the dealer, or the car is yellow and they can't sell it.

You could probably expect to get a 4 to 5% discount on any car, even ordered if you bug them enough.

I ended up buying my M3 here in Canada. I was able to get ~6.5% off MSRP, on an all cash deal.

I looked at the US, but trying to buy a new one was next to impossible because of the restrictions BMW puts on dealers down there. In the US, there are a few dealers that sell M3s at invoice - which I was able to confirm.

I ended up buying my M3 here in Canada. I was able to get ~6.5% off MSRP, on an all cash deal.

I looked at the US, but trying to buy a new one was next to impossible because of the restrictions BMW puts on dealers down there. In the US, there are a few dealers that sell M3s at invoice - which I was able to confirm.

I am not looking at importing. I would be registering the vehicle in NY and insuring it there as I am a US resident (not citizen) if I choose to go that route. I have already inquired with the DMV that I am eligible for a NY driver's license by simply surrendering my Ontario license there.

6.5% off MSRP seems to be the best deal anyone has got so far. Which dealership was this? Was it a car they had to order or did they have it on the lot?

The dealers have no objection selling a car to a Canadian if the car will be registered in the state of sale. As a NYS resident with a NYS driver's license, I would be eligible to buy it there, pay taxes on it there and insure it there. I will not be able to lease it because I don't have any credit in the states, but I am looking for an outright purchase so it could be an option. Looks like I will be buying my m3 in the states unless I find a killer deal on a 08/09 M3 here in Canada.

The dealers have no objection selling a car to a Canadian if the car will be registered in the state of sale. As a NYS resident with a NYS driver's license, I would be eligible to buy it there, pay taxes on it there and insure it there.

Yes your situation is somewhat unique and is not applicable to rockrboy. Once your car is registered stateside you can import it, although I'm not sure if there are any time restrictions on how long you may have to wait prior to doing so

For 99% of the rest of us who are purchasing with the intent to bring it back north of the 49th, the restriction applies

The restriction definitely applies to Canadian Purchasing new cars. Having imported most of my vehicles, I'm well aware of the restrictions. BMW is by far the strictest in their importation process. BMWUS dealer will sell you (a Canadian) a vehicle that has been titled once. I hate how Canadians are so restricted. Whatever happened to free free trade?

But in any case, what are the import taxes on a new car? like 25%??? is it worth it???

Quote:

Originally Posted by rsg

The restriction definitely applies to Canadian Purchasing new cars. Having imported most of my vehicles, I'm well aware of the restrictions. BMW is by far the strictest in their importation process. BMWUS dealer will sell you (a Canadian) a vehicle that has been titled once. I hate how Canadians are so restricted. Whatever happened to free free trade?

The restriction definitely applies to Canadian Purchasing new cars. Having imported most of my vehicles, I'm well aware of the restrictions. BMW is by far the strictest in their importation process. BMWUS dealer will sell you (a Canadian) a vehicle that has been titled once. I hate how Canadians are so restricted. Whatever happened to free free trade?

I here you - business in Canada does have different cost structures though. I think it's less about Canada getting the shaft, but more like the US market is so sought after, that BMW needs to price accordingly. Look at the costs of the M3 in other parts of the world, Canada has it pretty good in comparison (just not against the US)

Quote:

Originally Posted by rockrboy

But in any case, what are the import taxes on a new car? like 25%??? is it worth it???

6.1% on the CDN $$ value of the car + a couple of minor fees for inspection and registration

There is debate on the perceived value of a US car in the CDN market come resale time, but this is purely subjective by the next buyer. Personally I think it is a non issue. The savings on the pure math are there as long as you do your homework

Shopping stateside is appealing simply for the selection (as there is none in Canada) and the savings are there too

Lots of '08 M3's around. Go look in depressed areas in the states, Arizona, Michigan, Florida, tons of used M3's.

Better yet do some searches at non-BMW stealerships.

The 6.1% is unavoidable. It is a Fed tax on imported cars. Blame our government for that. Protecting all those high end NA car makers and the Ontario car parts market. I am sure you guys in ON are tired of all that BS and free handouts.

GL OP. A deal can be made and yeah sure it takes some effort and some time.

The money you save will be worth it.

I would have never bought new in Canada without the huge rebate I got on my car ($8k) and the 1% financing on the rest minus a trade-in 335xi.